Adelaide Airport has released details of a five-year plan to expand South Australia’s main gateway in its 2023 Integrated Report.
More than half of the $1 billion capital investment will focus on major infrastructure projects that include an expansion of the security screening area to improve the traveller experience and meet compliance, the expansion of the check-in hall to upgrade technology and accommodate future growth, larger kerbside pick-up and departure zones to improve traffic conditions, expanded north and south terminal piers to create more gates and more aircraft parking.
Outlining its operational and financial performance, Adelaide Airport’s 2023 Integrated Report also highlights the airport’s recent achievements, points out existing challenges, and flags short, medium and long-term plans for the hub.
Along with the $1 billion five-year infrastructure plan, the report reveals that total annual passengers reached close to 8 million in FY23, which was a 91 per cent recovery against 2019 levels.
This return was led by domestic and regional traffic due to still relatively low levels (66 per cent) of international traffic. However, the airport reports that during the first quarter of FY24, international traffic had rebounded to 87 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, indicating a strong, upward trajectory.
The SA hub’s main focus for international is luring back Emirates, China Southern and Cathay Pacific.
To enhance the overall customer experience, the airport has also re-launched its service desk, welcomed new ambassadors, launched a customer service cultural transformation program and supported major events such as AFL Gather Round and LIV Golf.
Bigger and better retail
Following the completion of a $200 million terminal expansion, the airport reports that its retail space is now fully leased and expects the whole area to be open by the end of this year. Compared to the last financial year, there has been a whopping 80 per cent increase in retail space.
Last week, the airport announced that work had begun on the hub’s first dedicated sports bar adjacent the international departures entry point in the main terminal.
Called the ADL Grounds Bar, the establishment will honour the city’s sporting grounds such as the Adelaide Oval, Norwood Oval and Hindmarsh Stadium.
“An ongoing core commitment to ourselves and our customers is to ensure South Australian themes, products and flavours play a starring role in our retail environment,” Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox said.
Meanwhile, the airport continues to focus on rebuilding its workforce, with a particular focus on its security screening personnel. The hub says it has now exceeded its pre-COVID staffing levels.
Going green
Elsewhere, the airport says it aims to do its part to help the aviation industry transition to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). At the same time, it continues to install more on-airport solar, and upgrade LED lighting, among other green initiatives.
The airport also hopes to capitalise on demand for developable land that is only two runway lengths from the CBD.
Adelaide Airport’s financial results meanwhile “reflect a return to stable and sustainable operations following several years of significant impact due to COVID related travel restrictions”.
Adelaide Airport’s 2023 Integrated Report including its Vision 2050 initiative can be viewed here.
Adelaide Airport welcomed Rex’s first Brisbane-Adelaide flight on Monday.
All images Adelaide Airport
